Memorial: Cyrus G. 'Cy' Allen Jr., 1922-2013

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Cyrus Gates Allen Jr., 90, passed away on Wednesday in Denver with his loving wife, Lucille ("Lu"), and daughter Wendy at his side. Also surviving Cy are son Cyrus G. III "Buck," of Vail, and grandsons Edwin and Arthur Gowdy, of Fort Collins. He was predeceased by his father, Cyrus G. Allen Sr.; mother, Isabelle Allen; and sister Nancy Key.

Cy was born Nov. 9, 1922, in Denver. He went to East High School and then Dartmouth College. He left Dartmouth to serve in the Army Air Corps as a bombardier instructor during World War II. He returned to the University of Denver to continue his education.

While in college, he developed a passion for skiing that would stay with him for life. It was at a ski race that he met Lu. They married in 1947 while he was trying out for the 1948 Olympic ski team. He was called away from his skiing to his family's Denver jewelry store, Bohm Allen, where he became vice president while working with his father. After a merger in the 1970s, Cy went into real estate for a decade. He ended his career in a partnership with Wendy, dealing in exclusive jewelry.

Education was very important to Cy, and he generously supported his family's college and graduate studies, providing for his grandchildren, as well as his children.

Teaching his children and grandchildren to ski was a highlight for him. When Vail opened in 1963, Cy and Lu built a family cabin here. They have been a part of the Vail community since. An excellent horseman, Cy loved his horse, Max, and was a member of the Roundup Riders of the Rockies. The yearly trail ride was always a high point of his summers. Next to his wife and family, Cy had a great affection for animals. His dogs and horses occupied a warm spot in his heart; animals sensed this and responded in kind. Cy was also a skilled golfer and could often be found on the Denver Country Club course with friends.

Accomplished yet humble, Cy was also a kind and generous man throughout his life. He treated people fairly and with respect. An easygoing personality allowed him to make friends in every facet of his life. He shared his passion and the joy he found in life with everyone he touched. He wanted to say thank you and goodbye to all his friends.

A memorial service for Cy will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John's Cathedral in Denver. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.